What's On

Photo: ©Naoto Otsubo/Kodansha Ltd.

We are delighted to be bringing one of Japan's bestselling authors, TSUJIMURA Mizuki (known for Lonely Castle in the Mirror) to the UK in October, in celebration of her newly English translated book Lost Souls Meet Under a Full Moon (『ツナグ』).

Much anticipated, award-winning novel: Lost Souls Meet Under a Full Moon, originally published in Japan in 2011, paints the world of Ayumi, who has the power to bring back the dead to meet the living for one last chance at closure. Each reunion Ayumi oversees reveals clues through which readers can uncover deeply emotional truths in this intensely moving, heart-warming novel.

These talks will provide a rare and limited opportunity to hear directly from TSUJIMURA, the author behind many prominent novels.

Lost Souls Meet Under a Full Moon (『ツナグ』) now available in English, is supported by the Japan Foundation's Support Program for Translation and Publication.

Praise for Lost Souls Meet Under a Full Moon:

'Recalls early Murakami. An enchanting read' - Financial Times

‘A beautifully written novel about hope and kindness’ - Big Issue

TSUJIMURA Mizuki

Born 29 February 1980. Debuted in 2004 after winning the 31st Mephisto Prize for A School Frozen in Time. Received the 32nd Yoshikawa Eiji Literary Prize for New Writers for Lost Souls Meet Under a Full Moon, along with the 147th Naoki Prize for Kagi no nai yume wo miru (A Dream Without a Key) and first place in the 15th Japan Booksellers' Award for Lonely Castle in the Mirror. Many of her works have been adapted for screen, and several of her works, including A School Frozen in Time, Lonely Castle in the Mirror, and Lost Souls Meet Under a Full Moon, have been published in translation, reaching readers around the world.

Is your school interested in starting a Japanese Club? Are your pupils or students interested in Japanese?

Sign up now to receive a Japanese Club package (including teacher training) so your school can be ready to run a Japanese Club in near future! It can happen through this project even though there are no teachers who have experience about Japan/Japanese!

Applications from more than one teacher from the same school are very welcome as it will provide you with opportunities to use what you learn through the course!

(The course starts on 20th October, the deadline for applications is 14th October, 17:00)

What we provide (free of charge):

(1)    Teaching materials: “Kon-Kon! Konnichiwa Japanese Club”

• Material set about Japanese culture and language
• The materials consist of 10 topics for 30-60 minute club activities (KS 2-4)
  • *Examples of topics covered: Greetings, Self-introduction, Food, Numbers, Festivals, Manga etc.

(2)    Online teacher training course

• 10 x 1-hour online sessions
   * Please see the training schedule below.

(3)    Support and advice for teachers running the Japanese Club

The teaching materials and the training programme are designed for teachers who don’t have any experience of running Japanese clubs and/or don’t have any Japanese language knowledge.

Details

Aims of the online training programme:

• To learn how to use the set of materials.
• To learn basic knowledge of Japan and the Japanese language.
• To build a network of teachers who are interested in language and cultural education.

Eligibility:

• Primary or secondary schools that are interested in starting Japanese clubs.
• Schools that currently don’t have a Japanese programme as a part of curriculum.
• Schools that have a teacher who is available to attend the training programme and run a club at school.
  • * No prior experience of Japanese language learning and/or running a Japanese Club is required.
  • * Applications from more than one teacher from the same school are very  welcome.
  • * In case of a high number of applicants, those who have no or limited experience in Japanese will be prioritised.

Benefits:

• to be able to learn how to run a Japanese Club for at least 1 term (10 to 12 sessions).
• to be able to learn how to use the materials.
• to be able to gain basic knowledge of Japan and the Japanese language.
• to be able to expand your network.

Training Schedule:

* Participants are expected to attend all the sessions below:

   If possible, we would like all participants to attend both additional Tuesday sessions as well as the Monday sessions. As on Monday’s sessions, these Tuesday sessions will cover useful topics from the Kon-Kon materials.

• Every Monday (and two additional sessions on Tuesday), starting from 20th October, 16:00 to 17:00 (or 16:30 to 17:30). Please refer to the schedule below for precise dates.
• In total 10 sessions of 1h classes

• • October:     20th (Mon), 27th (Mon)
  • November: 3rd (Mon), 10th (Mon), 11th (Tue), 17th (Mon), 24th (Mon)
  • December: 1st (Mon), 2nd (Tue), 8th (Mon)

Venue: Online

Language Used: English

Fee: Free

Number of participants: around 10 teachers

Application Form

*Please ask your head teacher or other senior teachers acting on behalf of the head teachers at your school for permission before applying. 

Application deadline: 14th October 2025 at 17:00 

Enquiries:  Language Team, The Japan Foundation, London, events.japanese@jpf.go.jp (English/Japanese) 

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FAQ:

• Q: I am interested in working at a school but currently am not teaching at any school. Can I apply?
  • A: This course is designed mainly for teachers who are already employed by a school. You can apply but please note that school-employed teachers will be prioritised in the event of a high number of applicants. 

• Q: Can a teacher who is a native speaker of Japanese apply to this course?
  • A: Japanese native speakers with no experience of teaching Japanese can apply. For those experienced teachers of Japanese, we are going to provide another opportunity in future to introduce the set of materials over a shorter period of time.

• Q: Can I get support while running a Japanese club after the training?
  • A: Yes, you can contact us if you have any concerns.

• Q: Can I apply although we are not certain we can run a Japanese club this semester?
  • A: Yes, as long as you and your school have an active intention to start a Japanese club in the future. You don't necessarily have to start the club before finishing the course.

Applications are now open for our head office grants: the Japan Foundation Japanese Studies Fellowship Program for Ph.D. candidates and researchers, the Grant Program for Japanese Studies Projects, and the Program for Specialists in Cultural and Academic Fields.

Applications for Fellowships in collaboration with other institutions are also open: JF-CIJS-EAJS Fellowship programme for Ph.D. candidates in Europe, the JF-GJS Fellowship Program for post-doctoral researchers, and the JF-Nichibunken Fellowship Program for post-doctoral researchers.

Details on each programme and application information follows below.

Japanese Studies Fellowship Programme

This program provides preeminent foreign scholars and researchers in the field of Japanese studies with opportunities to conduct research in Japan, with the aim of supporting them and promoting Japanese studies overseas. Experts in the fields of natural science, medical science, and engineering are excluded.

There are three subcategories as follows.

1. Scholars and Researchers (Long Term) (4 - 12 months)

For scholars and researchers who have a Ph.D. degree or equivalent professional experience at the time of application and are conducting research related to Japan (comparative research included) in the humanities and social sciences, whose projects require them to travel to Japan to carry out research over a long period of time. A named affiliate in Japan is also required at the time of application.

2. Scholars and Researchers (Short-term) (21 days - 89 days)

For scholars and researchers who have a Ph.D. degree or equivalent professional experience at the time of application are conducting research related to Japan (comparative research included) in the humanities and social sciences, whose projects require them to travel to Japan to carry out research, gather materials, etc., intensively over a short period of time. A named affiliate in Japan is also required at the time of application.

3. Doctoral Candidates (4 - 12 months)

For doctoral candidates working in the field of Japanese Studies, the humanities and social sciences who are in the closing stages of their Ph.D. and who need to undertake fieldwork in Japan in order to complete their dissertation/thesis. A named affiliate in Japan is required at the time of application.

Grant Coverage:

• Round-trip airfare (discount economy class - most direct and economical route)
• Stipend and other allowances

Dates for FY 2026-2027 programme:

• Applications available: Apply through our Online Application Portal. Details on the programme list on our Tokyo site.
• Application Deadline: Apply through Online Application Portal by 4am GMT (1pm JST) on Tuesday 2 December 2025
• Notification of Results: By the end of April 2026
• Project Duration: Research trips must commence between 20 June, 2026 and 20 March, 2027.

US citizens residing in the UK without UK permanent resident status should submit their applications on-line via the website of the Japan Foundation, New York.

For further information, please contact the Japan Foundation London The Japan Foundation, London (LO_JapaneseStudies@jpf.go.jp) or go to the programme list on our Tokyo site.

Please contact the Japan Foundation to discuss eligibility before applying.

Grant Programme for Japanese Studies Projects

This programme is designed to promote Japanese Studies overseas by providing grants to non-profit organisations such as higher education institutions and research institutions that are implementing Japanese Studies activities.

Eligible projects must fall into any of the following four categories:

• Research or conference on Japan; study or training in Japan; or publications that promote and contribute to the development of Japanese studies;
• Inviting scholars or researchers from Japan or other countries to deliver lectures on Japan;
• Purchase of books and materials on Japanese studies;
• Other relevant projects which would further promote and expand the horizon of Japanese studies.

*Projects in the field of natural sciences, commercial activities, arts and cultural activities, activities in support of specific doctrines or claims, and so forth are not eligible for this programme.

Grant Coverage:

Part of the following expenses:

• Travel expenses (international airfares and other transportation expenses, daily allowances and accommodation fees)
• Honoraria (for lecturers, collaborators, interpreters, etc.)
• Meeting expenses (for preparing materials, venues, equipment, public relations, etc.);
• Other direct expenses (for purchasing materials, etc.)

Dates for FY 2026-27 programme:

• Applications available: Apply through our Online Application Portal. Details on the programme list on our Tokyo site.
• Application Deadline: Apply through Online Application Portal by 4am GMT (1pm Japan Standard Time) on Tuesday 2 December 2025.
• Notification of Results: By end of April 2026.
• Project Duration: Projects must be implemented and completed during FY 2026-25 (Between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027)

For further details on this programme and application forms either contact the Japan Foundation London The Japan Foundation, London (LO_JapaneseStudies@jpf.go.jp) or go to our Tokyo site.

Please contact the Japan Foundation to discuss eligibility before applying.

Programme for Specialists in Cultural and Academic Fields

This programme provides a six-month residential language course for specialists (researchers, postgraduate students, librarians, museum and art gallery curators, etc.) who need to improve their Japanese for academic or professional purposes. Courses take place at our Japanese-Language Institute in Kansai, Japan. Tuition, accommodation and meals are included in the programme but UK based applicants bear their own return travel expenses to Japan. The programme is open to those who are in a field of Japan-related humanities and social sciences, who are aged under 40, and who have a proficiency in Japanese, equivalent to or higher than level JLPT N4 (level 3 of the old JLPT).

Dates for FY 2026-27 programme:

Course Dates:

• Course Dates: 6 month course, from early-October 2026 to late-March 2027
• Applications available: on the programme list on our Tokyo site
• Application Deadline: Apply through Online Application Portal by 4am GMT (1pm Japan Standard Time) on Tuesday 2 December 2025 
• Notification of Results: Late April 2026

For further details on this programme, please contact the Japan Foundation London The Japan Foundation, London (LO_JapaneseStudies@jpf.go.jp) or go to our Tokyo site.

Please contact the Japan Foundation to discuss eligibility before applying.

JF-CIJS-EAJS Fellowship Program

Tohoku University's Center for Integrated Japanese Studies (CIJS), in collaboration with the Japan Foundation (JF) and supported by the European Association for Japanese Studies (EAJS) has announced a research fellowship programme that allows Ph.D. candidates who conduct research related to Japan in the humanities or social sciences, and feel the need to visit Japan to complete their doctoral research to do so at Tohoku University.

Dates and length of fellowship: The fellowship will last between 4 and 12 months, commencing between September 1, 2026 and March 1, 2027.

Application Deadline: Applicants must send their application paperwork to JF-CIJS-EAJS@jpf.go.jp before Friday 21 November, 2025 (Japan Standard Time).

Full eligibility details and application information can be found at:

https://cijs.oii.tohoku.ac.jp/en/news/detail---id-69.html

For any inquiries, please email: JF-CIJS-EAJS@jpf.go.jp.

2026 JF-GJS Fellowship Program

In order to promote Japanese Studies overseas, this programme, jointly organised by the Japan Foundation (JF) and the Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia of the University of Tokyo (Tobunken), provides post-doctoral researchers in the field of Japanese Studies with opportunities to conduct research in Japan while belonging to Tobunken. The Fellows will also be expected to gain experience as project facilitators through operation and management work at various meetings or workshops, and to form and expand networks with people involved in international exchange.

Dates and length of fellowship: The fellowship will last between 6 and 24 months, commencing between September 1, 2026 and March 1, 2027.

Application Deadline: Applicants must send their application paperwork to JF-GJS@jpf.go.jp before Monday 1 December, 2025 (Japan Standard Time).

Full eligibility details and application information can be found at:

https://gas.ioc.u-tokyo.ac.jp/networking/2026-jf-gjs-fellowship/

For any inquiries, please email: JF-GJS@jpf.go.jp.

JF-Nichibunken Fellowship Program

This programme is jointly organised by the Japan Foundation and the International Research Center for Japanese Studies, National Institutes for the Humanities (Nichibunken). It provides post-doctoral researchers in the field of Japanese Studies with the opportunity to conduct research in Japan while belonging to Nichibunken. The Fellows will also be expected to gain experience as project facilitators through operation and management work at various meetings or workshops, and to form networks with people involved in international exchange.

Eligibility

Eligible research themes examine Japanese culture from an international, interdisciplinary, and comprehensive perspective in the fields of the humanities and the social sciences. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. at the time of application, and must have received the Ph.D. within 6 years as of April 1, 2026.

Grant Coverage

• Round-trip airfare (discount economy class - most direct and economical route)
• Stipend and other allowances

Dates for FY 2026-27 programme:

• Applications available: Apply by filling out and sending the Application Form to JF-Nichibunken@jpf.go.jp. For full details and Application Form, click here.
• Application Deadline: Monday, 1 December (JST) 
• Notification of Results: Applicants who pass the first screening will be invited for interview in January, 2026. Successful Fellows will be informed in April 2026.
• Project Duration: Fellows will be invited to stay continuously in Japan for a period from over 6 months to a maximum of 24 months. Projects must commence between September 1, 2026 and March 1, 2027.

If you have any questions regarding the JF-Nichibunken Fellowship, please email JF-Nichibunken@jpf.go.jp .

Autumn 2025 Applications Now OPEN! 

Institutions can apply for up to £2500 for non-profit-making projects or activities which promote Japanese language education in the UK. Please see the attached documents at the bottom of this page for more detailed information.

We prioritise projects that fit into one of the four following categories:

• Category 1 - Newly Introducing Japanese into the curriculum

Up to £2,500 for projects that promote the introduction of Japanese into the curriculum (or onto the main school timetable) at primary and secondary schools. This grant covers staff costs and the cost of Japanese language books. Projects may take place online or offline.

• Category 2 - Supporting GCSE or A-level courses

Up to £2,500 for projects that support GCSE or A-level courses. Particularly, if schools/organisations require support to ensure a large number of candidates are able to take formal qualifications in Japanese, they will be able to maintain their project by re-applying the following year. This means organisations will be able to apply for up to a total of £5,000 over two years. (Please note that we do not supplement the salary of teacher(s) already hired by the applying organisation.) Covers staff costs and costs of Japanese language books. Projects may take place online or offline.

• Category 3 – New Japanese clubs

Up to £2,000 for organisations that newly introduce Japanese as an extracurricular activity or enrichment subject. In the case of schools, this is even if this is not within the school timetable. Covers staff cost, Japanese language book cost, some costs for items contributing to Japanese language learning, such as origami and calligraphy materials. Clubs may take place online or offline.

• Category 4 - Projects that enable links between primary/secondary institutions and institutions of higher education

Up to £2,500 for projects that strengthen connections between secondary institutions and institutions of higher education and create and/or strengthen networks among pupils, students, and teachers for the purpose of helping to promote Japanese language education in the UK. These projects can be aimed at both potential learners of Japanese and people who already are learning Japanese. This is a recently added category, so please contact us if you have any questions or would like to apply but are unsure as to whether your project is suitable. These projects may take place online or offline.

Application deadline: 30^th September 2025, 23:59 (Tuesday)

General Information document

LPSP 2025-2026 Grant Flowchart

Grant Application Form (Autumn 2025)

We would be grateful if you could read the General Information document and the Grant Flowchart document before submitting an application.

If you have any questions, please contact info.language@jpf.go.jp

Please also refer to the “General Information” document above for detailed answers to many frequently asked questions.

Related Event!

Click here to find out about our seminar for potential applications for the Local Project Support Programme!

Date:	29 August 2025 - 30 September 2025
Download LPSP General Information Autumn 2025-2026
Download LPSP Flowchart Autumn 2025-2026
Download LPSP Application Form Autumn 2025-2026

You can find information on the programme as well as links to download an application form by clicking here

Are you considering applying for funding but aren’t sure about how to go about it? Do you have a project in mind but aren’t sure if it’s eligible? We would strongly recommend that you sign up to take part in our Online Seminar and Q&A session.

During this half-hour session, a member of our staff will talk participants through the application process, and then open the floor to questions and answers. We want to make sure the application process is as easy-to-understand as possible.

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This session will be held twice:

Session One: 8^th September 2025 (Monday), 13:00 to 13:30

(Deadline: 7^th September 2025, 23:59)

Session Two: 18^th September 2025 (Thursday), 13:00 to 13:30

(Deadline: 17^th September 2025, 23:59)

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Attendance is free but booking is essential.

We will be using Zoom software. Once you have applied we will send you information on how to join the session.

This seminar will be held in English but the presenter is a bilingual Japanese-English speaker. Please use Japanese in this application form and at the Q&A if you would prefer.

Fill out the application form here

We're proud to co-present with the Royal Society of Arts, a special screening of documentary Drops of Heaven.

Featuring TATSUMI Yoshiko, Japan’s legendary culinary artist and writer who is famous for “Inochi no soup”, (the “soup of life”) using natural and nutritious ingredients. Amidst stunning scenery of the Japanese landscape, viewers can witness TATSUMI’s philosophy on slow food and nurturing life.

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a test for non-native speakers of Japanese which evaluates and certifies their Japanese-Language proficiency. The test takes place twice a year (July and December) in Japan and various locations around the world. Currently, it is the largest Japanese language test in the world, with approximately 1.72 million people worldwide having registered for the JLPT in 2024.

The next December JLPT will take place on Sunday, 7^th December 2025. Registration will start at each test centre from early/ mid-August.  

The December exam will be held at three test sites in the UK: SOAS University of London, the University of Leicester and the University of Edinburgh. For application opening dates and registration details, please refer to each university’s website using the links below (Please note that the JLPT is very popular and registration at each test centre will close when the test centre has reached its maximum capacity.):

×             Japan Research Centre, SOAS University of London SOAS Applications have now closed

×             University of Leicester Applications at University of Leicester have now closed

×             University of Edinburgh Applications at University of Edinburgh have now closed

Important Changes

1. Starting from 2025, examinees are not allowed to use mobile phones and other devices, including smartwatches and all camera and communication devices, until the end of the entire test, including during breaks. Examinees must turn OFF their devices until the test is completed. If the devices are turned ON during breaks, it will be considered misconduct and their test scores will be invalidated.

2. Starting in December 2025, the Exam Start Time will be earlier and registration will take place in the morning. Please check the new test schedule at your test centre’s website and make sure that you will be able to arrive on time to register.

3. CEFR Levels will be added as reference information in JLPT score reports starting from the December 2025 JLPT. For details, please check here.  

For more information about the test, please visit JLPT website.

Ø  Let’s Try Sample Questions!

We are delighted to announce that the 21st Japanese Speech Contest for University Students is open for applications!

This contest gives students the chance to demonstrate their Japanese speaking skills and to make their voices heard in Japanese. Finalists will be invited to give their speeches and presentations at the Speech Contest Finals Day, which will be held at King’s College London on Saturday 7th March 2026.

There will be fantastic prizes to finalists.

:: Contest Aims

The main purpose of the event is to improve the speaking and presentation skills of students studying Japanese as a foreign language. Through this event, we hope to promote Japanese language learning at higher education level in the UK and Ireland.

:: Who can apply?

The contest is aimed at undergraduate students who are currently studying Japanese as a foreign language at a university in the UK or Ireland.

There are three different categories*:

*Please be advised that contestants are expected to choose appropriate topics according to the category to which they are applying.

1. Speech Category

Aim:

To discuss and/or argue a topic of your choice and offer opinions, suggestions and/or solutions.

Eligibility:

·       Undergraduate students who are studying a Japanese course aiming for the equivalent of JF standard C1 or C2* at a university in the UK or Ireland including, as an elective, optional or other university-based language course.

·       Those who have less than a total of three years’ residence in Japan since the age of six.

*      Five finalists will be selected.

Application Deadline: Monday 10th November 2025  (15:00 GMT)

2. Individual Presentation Category

Aim:

To explain your chosen topic and to convey your opinion or message using PowerPoint slides.

Eligibility:

·       Undergraduate students who are studying a Japanese course aiming for the equivalent of JF standard B1 or B2* at a university in the UK or Ireland.

·       Those who have spent not more than 12 months in total in Japan.

*      Five finalists will be selected.

Application Deadline: Monday 8th December 2025 (15:00 GMT)

3. Group Presentation Category

Aim:

To introduce a topic related to the U.K. or another country outside of Japan.

Eligibility:

·       Undergraduate students who are studying a Japanese course aiming for the equivalent of JF standard A1 or A2* at a university in the UK or Ireland.

·       Groups of two to four students.

·       Postgraduate students alongside undergraduate student(s).

*      Five finalist groups will be selected.

Application Deadline: Monday 15^th December 2025 (15:00 GMT)

*Details of JF Standard can be found here: https://www.jfstandard.jpf.go.jp/pdf/web_whole_en.pdf  

Please see the files below for the contest poster, FAQ, and application guidelines for each category. URL for online application form can be found in the Application Guidelines for each category.

Contest Poster

Frequently Asked Questions

Speech Category Application Guidelines

Individual Presentation Category Application Guidelines

Group Presentation Category Application Guidelines

See videos from previous University Speech Contest Finals Day here.

Please email speechcontest@jpf.go.jp if you have any questions.

Date:	1 September 2025 - 15 December 2025
Download 21st Speech Contest Application Poster
Download SpC21 Speech Category guidelines
Download SpC21 Indivi Presen Category guidelines
Download SpC21 Group Presen Category guidelines
Download SpC21 FAQ

The Japan Foundation London has begun collecting information for the Japanese Studies Survey 2025.

JF London, with the cooperation of the British Association for Japanese Studies (BAJS), conducts a survey every 5 years. Our survey targets universities, researchers and students undertaking Japan-related studies in the humanities and social sciences, to analyse trends and support researchers in expanding their networks.The survey is essential in investigating the current landscape of Japanese Studies and Japan-related research in the UK

What will the survey include?

(1) University Directory Survey - This directory aims to provide students and the general public with useful reference information by listing universities that offer humanities and social sciences programs related to Japanese studies, employ faculty members specialising in such areas, or provide Japanese language education.

(2) Student Survey - This survey is intended for students in academic departments offering Japan-related studies programs, students in the humanities and social sciences whose topic of research or primary interest includes Japan, and undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students majoring in Japanese language or translation studies. (Students studying only Japanese language are not eligible.) 

(3) Researcher Survey - This survey is intended for researchers affiliated with Japan-related studies departments, as well as researchers in the humanities and social sciences whose research includes Japan as a research subject.

(4) Researcher Directory Survey - To facilitate networking among students and researchers, we will create a directory of humanities and social sciences researchers whose work includes Japan-related studies, regardless of whether they are affiliated with Japanese studies department. This directory will be published on our website.

Deadline for All Responses: 12th September 2025

How can I help?

We have begun requesting information from universities across the UK, their students, and researchers in the field.

If you would like to participate in the survey or you would like any further information, please contact us at:

LO_JapaneseStudies@jpf.go.jp (CC Natsumi_Abe@jpf.go.jp and Iona_Vos@jpf.go.jp)

We look forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance for your cooperation.

You can view the 2020 Japanese Studies Survey here.

Step into the world of Kabuki with six stunning kimonos worn by the legendary actor BANDO Tamasaburo V, known for his renowned onnagata roles (male actor who performs female roles). Experience the intricate artistry of these garments, highlighting a diverse range of complex textile techniques, encompassing weaving, dyeing, embroidery, and hand-painting. We are delighted to collaborate with the Ashmolean Museum.

Date: 14 December 2024 - 9 November 2025

Venue: The Ashmolean Museum

Click here for details

This year's Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival will take place throughout September and October in three venues throughout Wales. From The Colors Within to Summer Wars, the festival screens the best in Japanese anime and culture, featuring a BSL interpreter at Chapter (Saturday only) to reach a greater disabled audience. 

©Hiroyasu Daido

We are proud to support this gripping contemporary dance: Naraku 奈落 (Abyss), performed by Japanese Dance Company Lasta. The performance depicts a dark, dream-like world where a man struggles with his deepest desires. Adapted for film in 2022, the performance won awards and was screened in Paris, Venice, London, and Athens.

This year's Japan Matsuri will take place Sunday 21 September, from 10:00 - 20:00 in Trafalgar Square. The annual festival is the UK's biggest celebration of Japanese culture and food! Don't miss out!